Health On-site
NHS 24 - Scotland's national Telehealth and Telecare Organization
Call NHS 24/7 free at 111 if you are ill and it can't wait until your regular doctor or NHS service has opening hours. You can also access NHS 24 services online. You will have a initial ‘triage’ interview and will be called back by a physician. NHS will only call back to UK mobile numbers hence the importance of having a UK SIM-enabled phone or access to one.
If you have a medical emergency but do not require an ambulance, then we recommend a 'walk-in' visit to the Emergency Room (A&E) at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. We recommend that you take a taxi to the hospital and have someone accompany you. Please be sure to notify CIS On-site Staff as well.
Important: you will need to pay out-of-pocket at a doctor appointment or hospital visit and submit the claim for reimbursement. See the Health Insurance section for more information.
Note: All major cities in Scotland have A&E services, and are open 24 hours all year round. Notify CIS On-site Staff to let them know if you are being treated for or require emergency care during your time in Scotland.
Emergency Dental Care - Edinburgh
If you are registered with a dentist at home, please contact your own dentist office for advice or to arrange emergency treatment. Unregistered Patients over 16: contact Chalmers Street Dental Clinic on 0131 536 4800. Chalmers Street also has a walk-in clinic (Available Monday to Thursday 9am - 4.45pm and Friday 9am to 4.15pm).
Eye Care - Edinburgh
Contact NHS 24 for free emergency care or go to a local optician where you will need to pay for treatment or prescriptions for contacts.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis Scotland provides comprehensive advice, contact numbers and local support.
Chemists
It is important to note that in the UK, it is common to first visit a pharmacist for minor health issues before seeing a doctor. Chemists (known as pharmacies in the US) not only offer medicine, but also other health and beauty products. The pharmacists are trained professionals who can provide advice on over-the-counter medication for minor aches and pains. However, it is important to read the information accompanying your medication, particularly if you have any drug allergies. Additionally, it is important to note that pills in the UK may come in different sizes than what is typical in the US, so it is important to pay attention to the recommended dosage.
Recommend Apps & Links
Download the free myCISI mobile app, which is available for iPhone and Android phones. This app provides instant access to many features:
- Email/view your travel insurance documents
- Onscreen display of your ID card
- Offline document availability
- View country specific travel alerts and warnings
- Learn more about the region you are traveling to, personal security assistance information, claim related help, etc.
On Sundays, not all pharmacies may be open, but one will be designated in each neighborhood. You can check the closest open pharmacy by visiting your nearest pharmacy and checking the posted information.